Named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the Hillary Challenge is a series of outdoor adventure challenges for school teams consisting of a multisport race, team problem solving challenges, a local environment project and eight hours of rogaining covering long distance, off track navigation.

The three-day adventure race run by the Outdoor Education Group throws competitors into situations where by necessity they develop teamwork, perseverance, leadership, resilience, problem solving and endurance.

The event began in New Zealand and is unique in Australia.

The SAS students taking part in the national finals have trained in canoeing, navigation, ropes skills and team problem solving to prepare for the event.

Along the way the team has been supported by OPSM-Cameron’s Optometry which is helping the students achieve a unique goal.

Craig Cameron and his team were quick to endorse the event’s aims by sponsoring the team.